ABSTRACT
This is a book of philosophy, not of anthropology, history, or religious studies. My focus of study is (early) classic texts, not social history. As in any world tradition, a philosophy developed by classic thinkers may or may not be fully realized in practice. Besides, people may have different readings of Chinese society under the Confucian influence. In the eyes of some, Chinese history is a largely harmonious one, for the most part stable and peaceful. Others may see Chinese history as a record of oppression, full of violence and conflicts. Both views can find historic support and we will not debate them here. It is safe to say, however, that no single concept or moral ideal can guarantee a perfect society. Translating a moral ideal into social reality is a rather complex process that involves a variety of factors. As we study the Confucian ideal of harmony, it is important to understand the distance between ideal and reality and the need to bridge it.
